Melanoma Treatment in Israel
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the 5th most common malignancy among men and 6th most common among women. It has a higher mortality rate than other frequently diagnosed cancers, so time is of the essence. Fortunately, Israeli specialists have extensive experience in treating the condition, and melanoma treatment in Israel involves a large number of innovative tools and protocols, many of which are not yet available abroad.
Melanoma Treatment in Israel – Program and Prices
The initial stage of the melanoma treatment program involves an onco-dermatologist resecting the suspicious mass (either completely or partially, depending on findings during work-up) and sending it for histopathology.
Cost of first stage is comprised of:
- Onco-dermatologist exam (including dermatoscopy)
- Resection of neoplasm
- Histopathology (results will be ready within a few days)
Should melanoma, unfortunately, be confirmed, a thorough work-up will be required. Wide lesion excision (WLE) and sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) may be indicated.
List of Investigations
- Full blood workup
- Optional: Pathological study revision (provided you are in possession of samples obtained during a previous biopsy abroad)
- BRAF mutation assay
- FotoFinder mole mapping
- PET/CT scan to rule out mets
- Oncologist (melanoma specialist) consultation
- Surgeon (melanoma & SLND specialist) consultation
The aforementioned investigations (not including the BRAF assay) will be completed within 4 business days.
The cost of treatment is largely dependent on whether WLE (wide local excision) and SLND (sentinel lymph node dissection) are deemed necessary as well as on whether a plastic surgeon will be involved in the procedure (to close the postoperative defect).
SLND Cost
SLND program fees include:
- Lymph node mapping
- Preoperative preparation (ECG, chest X-ray and an anesthesiologist consultation)
- Operative procedure and 1 or 2 days of hospitalization
- Disposable surgical materials and equipment
- Express biopsy and definitive histopathological study
The surgery will take place at Assuta Hospital.
It is advised you remain in Israel for approximately 10 days following your discharge from the hospital. During this time you will have several follow-up outpatient appointments with your treating physicians.
Please note that the aforementioned is the basic program, and may be subject to change depending on clinical findings. This might increase the price of treatment and/or force you to stay in Israel for a longer period of time than originally planned.
